This week on CNN’s ‘African Voices’, Nigerian actress Funke Akindele talks through her career and why she’s focusing on the next generation of actors.
One of Nollywood’s biggest stars, Akindele has appeared in countless films and some of the biggest sitcoms in Nigeria. Despite starting acting as a young adult, ‘African Voices’ hears how she started out on a very different career path.
When Akindele was a child, her parents had differing opinions when it came to her acting dreams, as she tells CNN:
‘African Voices’ hears how she compromised and agreed to study for a degree, eventually graduating in law. Following this, Akindele began auditioning for roles and had her big break when she was cast in one of the biggest sitcoms in Lagos, called ‘I Need To Know’.
Akindele describes the time:
Akindele is best known for her portrayal of Jenifa, and she explains why the character has continued to appeal to audiences:
CNN hears that Akindele’s success as Jenifa led her to establish her own production company, Scene One Productions, as well as bringing many accolades, with her series receiving four awards since 2015.
Reflecting on this success Akindele tells the programme: “All I can say is I’m grateful, it’s not easy for you to work hard and people appreciate you.
Now working on a new TV drama examining the music industry in Nigeria, called ‘Industreet’, Akindele has also founded ‘Jenifa’s Foundation’.
Explaining the programme’s work, she tells CNN:
When asked what her advice would be for upcoming actors and performers in Nigeria, Akindele tells the programme:
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